Spread the love

Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon – Fresh Recipes for Dinner

Okay, friends, I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to share this grilled lemon herb salmon recipe with you! Imagine that beautiful, flaky salmon sizzling away on the grill, with those bright lemony scents and fresh herbs wafting through the air—pure magic. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but actually comes together in a snap, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without the stress. Plus, the zest and tang of lemon paired with fragrant herbs like dill and parsley is a total game-changer that brightens up every flaky bite. Seriously, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for salmon night!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce / Garnish (optional):

Extra lemon wedges for serving
Fresh herbs for garnish
1 tablespoon melted butter mixed with a pinch of garlic powder (optional drizzle)

How I Make It

Step 1:

First up, I like to pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and gives you that nice sear on the grill. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper. This marinade is packed with bright, fresh flavors that will soak right into the fish.

Step 2:

Place the salmon in a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag, and pour the marinade over the fillets. Make sure every piece gets coated well! Let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes—if you have a little more time, 30 minutes is even better. Just remember not to marinate for too long, or the lemon juice can start “cooking” the fish.

Step 3:

Meanwhile, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 375-400°F. I always oil the grates lightly with a paper towel dipped in oil held by tongs to prevent sticking.

Step 4:

Place the salmon on the grill skin-side down first. This protects the delicate flesh and helps the skin get crispy. Grill for about 4-5 minutes without moving it, so it forms a nice crust. Flip carefully and grill the other side for another 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Step 5:

If you like, just before removing from heat, brush with a bit of the melted butter-garlic mixture—it adds a rich, comforting touch.

Step 6:

Transfer the salmon to a serving plate, garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges, and serve immediately while it’s perfectly moist and tender.

Variations & Tips

Swap parsley and dill with fresh basil and thyme for a slightly different herb profile.
Use a grill pan indoors if the weather’s not cooperating—same great flavor! Just watch the heat closely.
If you don’t have fresh herbs, 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley and dill works in a pinch.
For a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Don’t skip the skin-on fillets—it adds flavor and helps keep the salmon moist during grilling.
Let the salmon rest for a couple minutes after grilling to lock in all the juices.

How I Like to Serve It

This grilled lemon herb salmon pairs beautifully with a simple side of grilled asparagus or a bright quinoa salad dotted with cherry tomatoes. On warm days, I love serving it with a chilled cucumber and avocado salad to keep things fresh. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted baby potatoes and a crisp green salad for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Notes

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads.
You can substitute salmon with trout or steelhead for a similar flavor and texture.

Closing: This grilled lemon herb salmon is one of those recipes that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to feel like a celebration every time you make it.